The student musicians
of the CSUS Symphonic Wind Ensemble have already raised more than $20,000 toward
the $100,000 they need to perform at the New York Wind Band Festival’s
gala Carnegie Hall concert April 13.

The group was one of two collegiate ensembles to receive a coveted invitation
to the festival in November. The festival is an annual educational event for
student musicians that includes workshops, clinics and competitions spread over
two, week-long sessions. Each session culminates with a public concert at Carnegie
Hall.

Budget constraints have made University funds scarce, and the cost of sending
50 students to New York is significant, no matter how rewarding the experience
may be. “Each student needs $2,000 to go, or they’ll miss out on
the experience of a lifetime,” says music department chair Ernie Hills.

The students ongoing fundraising efforts have included concerts, presentations
to potential donor groups and sponsorship solicitations. They don’t want
to miss out on playing Carnegie Hall

“It’s the premier concert hall in the United States,” says
ensemble conductor Robert Halseth, also director of wind studies at CSUS. “Tchaikovsky
opened it in 1891. Playing there would be a tremendous opportunity for our students.”

Donations may be made to the CSUS Trust Foundation, Carnegie Hall Trip at CSUS
College of Arts and Letters Development Office, Mariposa Hall 5000, 6000 J Street,
Sacramento, CA 95819-6049 or (916) 278-7673.